Big Projects: Welding for Farms and Oil Fields in Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw and the surrounding area present diverse opportunities for mobile welders. From massive agricultural operations to oil and gas infrastructure, large-scale projects demand technical skill, project management, and reliable service. Here are case studies from recent major jobs.
Case Study 1: Grain Handling System Repair
A 10,000-acre grain farm near Moose Jaw had a catastrophic failure on their grain auger system during harvest. A structural support weld cracked, causing the auger to collapse. Downtime cost was estimated at $15,000 per day during peak harvest.
Challenge: The repair required all-position structural welding on 3/4" steel in an awkward location 15 feet off the ground. Preheating was necessary, and the repair had to meet CWB structural standards.
Solution: Mobilized within 2 hours of the call with a portable scaffold, generator, and preheating equipment. Used FCAW process for deep penetration and all-position capability. Preheated the joint to 200°F, completed the weld, and performed slow cooling to prevent cracking. Visual and dye penetrant testing confirmed weld integrity.
Result: Farm back in operation within 8 hours. The client's insurance covered the emergency repair, and they've since contracted us for seasonal maintenance and future modifications.
Case Study 2: Oilfield Pressure Vessel Modification
An oil producer needed modifications to a separator vessel at a wellsite 60 kilometers from Moose Jaw. The job required adding nozzles for new instrumentation—pressure-rated welds on a vessel in service.
Challenge: Pressure vessel work demands TSASK B-Pressure certification and adherence to ASME Section VIII standards. All welds must be documented, tested, and certified. The vessel couldn't be taken out of service for more than 48 hours.
Solution: Coordinated with the client's engineering team to review welding procedures and obtain necessary permits. Used GTAW (TIG) root pass followed by SMAW fill and cap for optimal weld quality. Performed radiographic testing on all pressure welds per code requirements. Provided complete weld documentation and test reports.
Result: Modifications completed within the 48-hour window. All welds passed inspection. The project opened the door to ongoing maintenance contracts with the producer, including future wellsite modifications across their Saskatchewan operations.
Case Study 3: Custom Livestock Handling System
A large cattle operation needed a custom corral and loading system designed for efficiency and animal welfare. The project involved fabricating 200+ feet of heavy-duty panel sections, gates, and adjustable chutes.
Challenge: Custom design based on the client's specific requirements and site layout. Heavy materials (2" square tubing, 1/2" plate) requiring strong, durable welds. Timeline compressed due to upcoming cattle shipment schedules.
Solution: Collaborated with the client on design, incorporating their operational experience with our fabrication expertise. Prefabricated components in our shop when possible, then mobilized to the site for final assembly and installation. Used GMAW (MIG) for speed on clean shop work, FCAW for field assembly to handle Saskatchewan wind.
Result: Delivered on time and under budget. The client reports significant efficiency improvements in cattle handling. The project won us referrals to other ranchers and ag operations in the region.
Case Study 4: Industrial Building Structural Repair
A manufacturing facility in Moose Jaw discovered structural cracks in their main building's steel frame—a serious safety issue affecting their operations and insurance coverage.
Challenge: Structural repairs required engineering approval, CWB certification, and compliance with building codes. Work had to be done during off-hours to minimize production disruption. Access was difficult, requiring lifts and scaffolding.
Solution: Coordinated with the client's structural engineer to review repair specifications. Obtained necessary CWB documentation for structural welding. Mobilized a crew for night shift work over two weekends. Used SMAW for all-position capability on the overhead and vertical welds. Documented all work with weld maps, procedure specifications, and test results.
Result: Building certified safe by engineering firm. Client avoided costly production shutdowns. Ongoing relationship now includes preventive maintenance inspections and minor repairs.
Lessons from Large Projects
Big projects require more than welding skill. Communication, documentation, and reliability are equally important. Clients need to trust you'll show up when promised, follow specifications exactly, and handle unforeseen problems professionally.
Build a network of professionals—engineers, inspectors, equipment rental companies—who can support large jobs. No mobile welder is an island; complex projects require teamwork.
Finally, never overpromise. Be realistic about timelines and capabilities. It's better to decline a job you can't do right than to take it and fail. Your reputation is everything.
